AFP reported that Mr. Jacques Chirac - the leader of France from 1995 to 2007 passed away on Thursday (September 26).
The 22nd President of the French Republic passed away at the age of 86, son of Federic Salat-Baroux confirmed the information to local media. The former French president has been hospitalized several times over the past ten years due to lung problems, according to the Independent.
The Guardian reported that for many years, former French president Jacques Chirac suffered from dementia that was believed to be related to a form of Alzheimer's disease or a minor stroke he suffered while in office.
Chirac served as French leader from 1995 to 2007 - one of the longest continuous political careers in Europe, with two terms as president, two terms as prime minister and 18 years as Paris Mayor.
Chirac won the French presidential election on May 7, 1995 and was re-elected in 2002, according to RT. Sputnik reported that Mr. Chirac was Paris Mayor from 1977 to 1995.
The Guardian commented that Mr. Chirac is remembered by the international community for his leading role in France's strong opposition to the US invasion of Iraq in 2003.
